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ladymacbeth2024's reviews
406 reviews
Uncle by Jay L. North
2.0
2 stars
I read this just because of a challenge, otherwise I would never have chosen a taboo story to entertain myself.
My low rating of this book, though, it's not based on the taboo nor the dubcon tropes, because it wouldn't be fair to the author since they're well advertised and I wasn't blindsided by them.
My issues lie elsewhere.
First, Ben seems like a child, not a 22 years old: he stutters everytime he talks, he basically does nothing (it's said he's in college, but he actually never goes to class), he's just there for his uncle's pleasure.
Second, while Ben's attraction to his uncle is understandable (he's a young virgin gay man, eager to dicover sex), Devon's comes out of nowhere. There's no hint that he was feeling attraction toward his nephew; after Ben's telling about being rejected, he just drags him to a glory hole.
Third, the forbidden part of the story (them being related) is conveniently skipped when they are outside of the bedroom. It's briefly said that Ben's mom (Devon's sister) is suspicious, but we don't get to see her reaction, no drama even from friends and coworkers.
In the epilogue, set a month after they move together, they just live happily.
I think this could have been a good romance, Devon is a very interesting character, but the story remained on a superficial level.
It didn't work for me, but maybe readers who enjoy smut without a plot will find this satisfying.
I read this just because of a challenge, otherwise I would never have chosen a taboo story to entertain myself.
My low rating of this book, though, it's not based on the taboo nor the dubcon tropes, because it wouldn't be fair to the author since they're well advertised and I wasn't blindsided by them.
My issues lie elsewhere.
First, Ben seems like a child, not a 22 years old: he stutters everytime he talks, he basically does nothing (it's said he's in college, but he actually never goes to class), he's just there for his uncle's pleasure.
Second, while Ben's attraction to his uncle is understandable (he's a young virgin gay man, eager to dicover sex), Devon's comes out of nowhere. There's no hint that he was feeling attraction toward his nephew; after Ben's telling about being rejected, he just drags him to a glory hole.
Third, the forbidden part of the story (them being related) is conveniently skipped when they are outside of the bedroom. It's briefly said that Ben's mom (Devon's sister) is suspicious, but we don't get to see her reaction, no drama even from friends and coworkers.
In the epilogue, set a month after they move together, they just live happily.
I think this could have been a good romance, Devon is a very interesting character, but the story remained on a superficial level.
It didn't work for me, but maybe readers who enjoy smut without a plot will find this satisfying.
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn
4.5
4.5 stars
I really really liked this first book in Brigham's Vaughn new series.
I've always wondered about the O'Shea brothers since I read Kelly's story and now we get to Know Connor's too and have a close look to his family.
I loved all: how Jesse and Connor slowly got to know each other, how Jesse built a close relationship with the children, especially with Nolan, how he could understand Connor?s situation and the pressure he was under for being part of such huge legacy; I loved how Connor changed his mind about Jesse, how he appreciated his wild side, how he started considering him more like a partner than a casual hookup
I found particularly well written the part about Connor's struggling with his faith: it was painful but also necessary to the story. I appreciated that it wasn't reduced to a homophobic situation, like it happens in the majority of the MM books, but there was actually reasoning, questioning, feeling the loss of support, choosing love above church's directions.
I adored the children and I really really love Nolan and his puppy love.
I also liked how Connor and his ex wife mended their relationship and were able to be very honest with each other. Instead I think her reaction about Nolan's news was not very credible: she wasn't much into her Church when Kelly came out and she was awful, I don't think she could have been so understanding and soft with Nolan after years of spending time with homophobic people with very strict values. I'm happy for Nolan, of course, but I was expecting more drama on that front.
Anyway, I can't wait to read more of this series!
Very recommended
P.S.: my baby, Gabriel Theriault, is still the best!
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
I really really liked this first book in Brigham's Vaughn new series.
I've always wondered about the O'Shea brothers since I read Kelly's story and now we get to Know Connor's too and have a close look to his family.
I loved all: how Jesse and Connor slowly got to know each other, how Jesse built a close relationship with the children, especially with Nolan, how he could understand Connor?s situation and the pressure he was under for being part of such huge legacy; I loved how Connor changed his mind about Jesse, how he appreciated his wild side, how he started considering him more like a partner than a casual hookup
I found particularly well written the part about Connor's struggling with his faith: it was painful but also necessary to the story. I appreciated that it wasn't reduced to a homophobic situation, like it happens in the majority of the MM books, but there was actually reasoning, questioning, feeling the loss of support, choosing love above church's directions.
I adored the children and I really really love Nolan and his puppy love.
I also liked how Connor and his ex wife mended their relationship and were able to be very honest with each other. Instead I think her reaction about Nolan's news was not very credible: she wasn't much into her Church when Kelly came out and she was awful, I don't think she could have been so understanding and soft with Nolan after years of spending time with homophobic people with very strict values. I'm happy for Nolan, of course, but I was expecting more drama on that front.
Anyway, I can't wait to read more of this series!
Very recommended
P.S.: my baby, Gabriel Theriault, is still the best!
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
Mad For Madison by Hayden Hall, Hayden Hall
4.5
4.5 stars
Fourth book in The Boys of Hudson Burrow series, finally Bradley's story.
I was curious about him since the author let us know he's a single dad and in this book finally we get to know more about his life.
Bradley is a simple man: he works hard to raise his daughter with his grandmother's help, he doesn't do anything for himself, he's very devoted to Lily, but he also secretly yearns for a romantic love, for a partner who can cherish him and live a simple life with him.
Bradley (who doesn't have any kind of experience with men) is also very attracted to Madison, one of Tristan's former roommates.
Madison is a gorgeous man who lives a secret life, he's a porn star and he doesn't go to mama Viv's bar because he doesn't want to be recognised. He also keep his roommates at arm's lenght, he has been on his own his whole life and he doesn't know how to let people in.
When Madison needs a fake boyfriend to attend a gala with him, Bradley accepts to help.
The night they spend together after the party is so so romantic and beautiful: Hayden Hall really knows how to write steamy and emotional physical scenes.
Bradley and Madison's feelings for each other are deep, but insecurities are deeper, for both of them. But while Bradley take a leap of faith and trust Madison to be really interested in him, Madison's fears prevents him to accept that Bradley's love for him is real, that he is really what Bradley wants, that his job is not an obstacle.
I found all well written, especially Madison's internal monologues.
I didn't like very much Dane's involvment in the story, it felt like unnecessary drama that ended abruptly without a real conclusion.
I also would have like to know how they navigated the first period of their relationship before jumping into the epilogue.
I'm really enjoying this series and I look forward for the next book: we have a hint about the next story and it already looks very good.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Fourth book in The Boys of Hudson Burrow series, finally Bradley's story.
I was curious about him since the author let us know he's a single dad and in this book finally we get to know more about his life.
Bradley is a simple man: he works hard to raise his daughter with his grandmother's help, he doesn't do anything for himself, he's very devoted to Lily, but he also secretly yearns for a romantic love, for a partner who can cherish him and live a simple life with him.
Bradley (who doesn't have any kind of experience with men) is also very attracted to Madison, one of Tristan's former roommates.
Madison is a gorgeous man who lives a secret life, he's a porn star and he doesn't go to mama Viv's bar because he doesn't want to be recognised. He also keep his roommates at arm's lenght, he has been on his own his whole life and he doesn't know how to let people in.
When Madison needs a fake boyfriend to attend a gala with him, Bradley accepts to help.
The night they spend together after the party is so so romantic and beautiful: Hayden Hall really knows how to write steamy and emotional physical scenes.
Bradley and Madison's feelings for each other are deep, but insecurities are deeper, for both of them. But while Bradley take a leap of faith and trust Madison to be really interested in him, Madison's fears prevents him to accept that Bradley's love for him is real, that he is really what Bradley wants, that his job is not an obstacle.
I found all well written, especially Madison's internal monologues.
I didn't like very much Dane's involvment in the story, it felt like unnecessary drama that ended abruptly without a real conclusion.
I also would have like to know how they navigated the first period of their relationship before jumping into the epilogue.
I'm really enjoying this series and I look forward for the next book: we have a hint about the next story and it already looks very good.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Everything Santa Isn't by West Greene
4.0
4 stars
It's no secret that I love West Greene's stories, even if they're almost all very short.
This time is no exceptiona and I appreciate the unusual plot about a stalker who breaks into the object of his desire's hoem to leave Christmas present.
I also appreciated very much that, despite Cal calling Pierce "his boy", there's absolutely no Daddy kink in this book.
Given the lenght of this story, there's only one sex scene, but it was quite steamy.
I wish we could have had a more extended epilogue because we don't really get to know them together and the end left me craving for more.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
It's no secret that I love West Greene's stories, even if they're almost all very short.
This time is no exceptiona and I appreciate the unusual plot about a stalker who breaks into the object of his desire's hoem to leave Christmas present.
I also appreciated very much that, despite Cal calling Pierce "his boy", there's absolutely no Daddy kink in this book.
Given the lenght of this story, there's only one sex scene, but it was quite steamy.
I wish we could have had a more extended epilogue because we don't really get to know them together and the end left me craving for more.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Not Catching Love by Saxon James
4.0
4 stars
This story was not easy at all and it actually gives us the real amount of Xander's anxiety and how hard it impacts his life.
We had hints from the previous book, but here we get to know his thoughts, his psiralling, his self hatred. It's a long journey toward happiness and I liked very much that the author divided the story in three parts.
The first one is the most angsty because Xander is reaching his breaking point and his frustration is almost out of control; he's feeling that things are changing and he desperately tries to hold on the few things that give him comfort.
I likked very much Derek's conficted thoughts (and feelings) about Xander, his need to protect himself, but also to be a safe person for him and the awareness that something had to change for him to get better.
The dynamic between Seven, Xander and Derek is so beautifully written and I literally adored how Seven and Derek got close.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
The whole book revolves around Xander's mental health, obviously, and I get that his relationship with Derek is affected by that. I liked that Xander is not magically cured and that there are still struggles but I wold have loved to see more about them after they got together officially and during all the time that leads to the epilogue.
It seems to me that the romantic part of their relationship was lacking and the story was more focus on Xander's personal journey
Moreover, this is the last book of the series, so I was hoping to see more of the other Bertha boys but, besides Seven and Molly, we just have very very little of them.
Anyway I'm sad to let these characters go, I hope we'll have a glimpe of them in the future series that's about to start.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
This story was not easy at all and it actually gives us the real amount of Xander's anxiety and how hard it impacts his life.
We had hints from the previous book, but here we get to know his thoughts, his psiralling, his self hatred. It's a long journey toward happiness and I liked very much that the author divided the story in three parts.
The first one is the most angsty because Xander is reaching his breaking point and his frustration is almost out of control; he's feeling that things are changing and he desperately tries to hold on the few things that give him comfort.
I likked very much Derek's conficted thoughts (and feelings) about Xander, his need to protect himself, but also to be a safe person for him and the awareness that something had to change for him to get better.
The dynamic between Seven, Xander and Derek is so beautifully written and I literally adored how Seven and Derek got close.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
The whole book revolves around Xander's mental health, obviously, and I get that his relationship with Derek is affected by that. I liked that Xander is not magically cured and that there are still struggles but I wold have loved to see more about them after they got together officially and during all the time that leads to the epilogue.
It seems to me that the romantic part of their relationship was lacking and the story was more focus on Xander's personal journey
Moreover, this is the last book of the series, so I was hoping to see more of the other Bertha boys but, besides Seven and Molly, we just have very very little of them.
Anyway I'm sad to let these characters go, I hope we'll have a glimpe of them in the future series that's about to start.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
‘Twas the Night by Ava March
4.0
4 stars
Such a very lovely story. I believe the author handled very well the Dom/sub dynamic between Percival and Michael: the first one is sweet and eager to please, while the second is very caring and attentive.
It was honestly very good and I'm bummed that we don't get to see a little more of them after the night they finally spend together for the first time, after being in a sort of relationship for a long time.
I definitely need more about them.
Such a very lovely story. I believe the author handled very well the Dom/sub dynamic between Percival and Michael: the first one is sweet and eager to please, while the second is very caring and attentive.
It was honestly very good and I'm bummed that we don't get to see a little more of them after the night they finally spend together for the first time, after being in a sort of relationship for a long time.
I definitely need more about them.
Cold as Ice by Beth Bolden
3.5
3.5 stars
Second book in the Portland Evergrren series, this is the story between Malcolm and Elliott, teammates in the hockey team.
Elliott has always been interested in Mal, but Mal rejected him because he was still scarred by a previous bad experience. During the second year they play together, they have the chance to get close and too see each other with different eyes. They also find out they have a strong chemistry and, once they let go of their animosity (but not of their banter), they're also great on the ice.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
it seemed that Elliott has always been in lust with Mal, that he wanted just hookup (which is totally fine seeing his age), I couldn't really picture him in love.
Also, Ramsey and other teammates pushing him to "melt" Mal wasn't much better. I don't know, but I had the vibes Mal was just a conquest.
The last chapters are good and I liked the epilogue very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
Second book in the Portland Evergrren series, this is the story between Malcolm and Elliott, teammates in the hockey team.
Elliott has always been interested in Mal, but Mal rejected him because he was still scarred by a previous bad experience. During the second year they play together, they have the chance to get close and too see each other with different eyes. They also find out they have a strong chemistry and, once they let go of their animosity (but not of their banter), they're also great on the ice.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
it seemed that Elliott has always been in lust with Mal, that he wanted just hookup (which is totally fine seeing his age), I couldn't really picture him in love.
Also, Ramsey and other teammates pushing him to "melt" Mal wasn't much better. I don't know, but I had the vibes Mal was just a conquest.
The last chapters are good and I liked the epilogue very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
Man of Honor by Parker St. John
5.0
5 stars
I requested a ARC of this book because I love Parker St.John's writing. I have to admit I'm not very fond with romance that also has violence and darker themes, but this one was very very good.
Gage and Wyatt are wonderful men, loyal, selfless, protective; they both made mistakes in the past they deeply regret but, luckily, even after years of separation, they still care about each other.
The first part of the story was raw and violent: the city, the surroundings, the people, it's almost all dark. The only two places that seem to bring some kind of peace are Wyatt's cottage and the Beaufort mansion.
This place is where the lives of all the broken boys (the ones from the past and the ones who live thare now) merge: Boone Beaufort built a safe place and his adoptive sons are trying to carry on with his legacy.
The corruption, the violence and the dirt that smother the city try to tarnish the house and the men too, so the Beaufort brothers have to fight a lot to survive.
Thankfully, despite of all the pain and darkness, Wyatt and Gage are able to find their way back to each other: the part where they reconnect is wonderful and very emotional. The physical scene are intimate ad beautiful, I really loved how the author made them declare their love for each other.
They're still not perfect and they still make mistakes, but they try hard to make things work.
The dynamic between the five brothers is very interesting and I can't wait to read every one of their stories: Gideon really intrigues me and, obviously, one of them (no spoiler) is on my personal black list after what he did. I surely need a good arc redemption for him.
I hope we won't have to wait long for the next book.
Very much recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I requested a ARC of this book because I love Parker St.John's writing. I have to admit I'm not very fond with romance that also has violence and darker themes, but this one was very very good.
Gage and Wyatt are wonderful men, loyal, selfless, protective; they both made mistakes in the past they deeply regret but, luckily, even after years of separation, they still care about each other.
The first part of the story was raw and violent: the city, the surroundings, the people, it's almost all dark. The only two places that seem to bring some kind of peace are Wyatt's cottage and the Beaufort mansion.
This place is where the lives of all the broken boys (the ones from the past and the ones who live thare now) merge: Boone Beaufort built a safe place and his adoptive sons are trying to carry on with his legacy.
The corruption, the violence and the dirt that smother the city try to tarnish the house and the men too, so the Beaufort brothers have to fight a lot to survive.
Thankfully, despite of all the pain and darkness, Wyatt and Gage are able to find their way back to each other: the part where they reconnect is wonderful and very emotional. The physical scene are intimate ad beautiful, I really loved how the author made them declare their love for each other.
They're still not perfect and they still make mistakes, but they try hard to make things work.
The dynamic between the five brothers is very interesting and I can't wait to read every one of their stories: Gideon really intrigues me and, obviously, one of them (no spoiler) is on my personal black list after what he did. I surely need a good arc redemption for him.
I hope we won't have to wait long for the next book.
Very much recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Just Jack by Christina Lee
4.0
4 stars
Low angst romance between Aaron, investor from San José, and Jack, gas station owner from Aqua Vista, a little costal town.
I have to admit I struggled during the first part of the story: both characters are lovely, I adored grumpy Jack, even with all his baggage of loss, heartbreak and grief. Instead I couldn't really connect with Aaron and his pushy businessman attitude.
The second part was way better: I liked how they worked through their issues, how they were pulled toward each other and how strongly they wanted to make things work.
Their love declaration was so very romantic and emotional.
The side characters are all great, I hope Frankie and Rocco will fall in love and I'm also very curious about Johnny and his "legally separated" status; I really look forward to read his story.
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency and this is my honest review.
Low angst romance between Aaron, investor from San José, and Jack, gas station owner from Aqua Vista, a little costal town.
I have to admit I struggled during the first part of the story: both characters are lovely, I adored grumpy Jack, even with all his baggage of loss, heartbreak and grief. Instead I couldn't really connect with Aaron and his pushy businessman attitude.
The second part was way better: I liked how they worked through their issues, how they were pulled toward each other and how strongly they wanted to make things work.
Their love declaration was so very romantic and emotional.
The side characters are all great, I hope Frankie and Rocco will fall in love and I'm also very curious about Johnny and his "legally separated" status; I really look forward to read his story.
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency and this is my honest review.
We Were Never Lovers by Sasha Avice
5.0
5 stars
Sasha Avice delivered the most beautiful MM romance with the amnesia trope I've ever read.
It's a work of fiction, of course, but it felt so real: all Sean's confused emotions about his new reality, the struggles over the sensation that something is missing, his conflicted feelings toward Jack, they were very wonderfully written.
And Jack, oh poor Jack who stood like a rock against all the hatred, sarcasm and lack of trust Sean kept throwing at him; while I was reading, I could feel his pain because the man he loved didn't remember him and the devastating truth that he couldn't confide in anyone, because, for the rest of the world, they were just best friends.
I admit I know nothing about First Nation people and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to get to know them a little.
The end was beautiful, knowing Sasha Avice's style I wasn't expecting that, but I obviously adored it.
I hope she won't make us wait long for another book.
Highly recommended.
Sasha Avice delivered the most beautiful MM romance with the amnesia trope I've ever read.
It's a work of fiction, of course, but it felt so real: all Sean's confused emotions about his new reality, the struggles over the sensation that something is missing, his conflicted feelings toward Jack, they were very wonderfully written.
And Jack, oh poor Jack who stood like a rock against all the hatred, sarcasm and lack of trust Sean kept throwing at him; while I was reading, I could feel his pain because the man he loved didn't remember him and the devastating truth that he couldn't confide in anyone, because, for the rest of the world, they were just best friends.
I admit I know nothing about First Nation people and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to get to know them a little.
The end was beautiful, knowing Sasha Avice's style I wasn't expecting that, but I obviously adored it.
I hope she won't make us wait long for another book.
Highly recommended.